Interference with the operation of a satellite
Official text prohibited actmental stateif conditionpenaltylegal term
(a) Whoever, without the authority of the satellite operator, intentionally or interferes with the authorized operation of a communications or weather satellite or obstructs or hinders any satellite transmission shall be fined in accordance with this title or imprisoned not more than ten years or both.
(b)
This section does not prohibit any lawfully authorized investigative, protective, or intelligence activity of a law enforcement agency or of an intelligence agency of the United States.
History: (Added Pub. L. 99–508, title III, §303(a), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1872 (PDF, 4.1 MB).)
Simplified explanation
It is a federal crime to intentionally or maliciously interfere with the operation of a communications or weather satellite, or to block or disrupt satellite transmissions, without the operator's permission.